Karnataka happy, TN ‘shocked’

CAUVERY VERDICT Decision may boost Cong chances in K’taka assembly poll later this year

BENGALURU: For Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, the Cauvery verdict could not have come at a better time.

The Supreme Court’s decision to increase the state’s share of water, and provide special relief to capital Bengaluru is a relief for the senior Congress leader and might just boost his prospects in assembly elections later this year.

“The judgment has partly allowed our appeal and has also taken the groundwater availability in the delta region of Tamil Nadu into consideration. It has also changed the tribunal decision that only one-third of Bengaluru, which comes under the Cauvery basin, should get water,” Siddaramaiah said.

Karnataka irrigation minister MB Patil welcomed the decision but said the state’s demands had only partially been met.

“The additional 4.75 thousand million cubic feet of water for Bengaluru will not suffice and we will consult with the legal team on the way forward.”

Former chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yeddyurappa called for a plan to utilise the increased quantum of water in a judicious manner.

“Supreme Court’s verdict on the Cauvery is welcome and will help our farmers and ease Bengaluru’s drinking water problem.”

Siddaramaiah, who joined the Congress in 2006, is vying for re-election on a plank of farmer welfare and overall development.

He faces the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular), the party he left more than a decade ago.

The Cauvery basin accounts for 60 seats of the 224 seats in the assembly. The Congress won 30 of these in 2013.

Political analyst Narendar Pani, faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, said the verdict was already being credited to Siddaramaiah’s stewardship. “The immediate impression is that Siddaramaiah managed to get Karnataka the increased quantum of water,” he said.

According to Pani, as the legal strategy belonged to the state, the Supreme Court decision will be seen as a victory of the government.

“Politically, it is a big victory for him as the Cauvery has a very emotive appeal in this area,” he added.

The judgment has partly allowed our appeal and has also taken the groundwater availability in the delta region of Tamil Nadu into consideration. SIDDARAMAIAH, Karnataka chief minister